If flying business class, I prefer direct since, yes, it is very comfortable. If flying premium economy, it's a wash between direct or having a short layover.

If flying business class, I prefer direct since, yes, it is very comfortable. If flying premium economy, it's a wash between direct or having a short layover. In economy, I definitely prefer having a layover closer to the middle. Flying 20h non stop in economy seats is hell and I'd never do it.